In New Delhi, the Indian Ministry of Defense has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, signaling India’s ambition to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the project in collaboration with the private industry, reflecting New Delhi’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in the aerospace sector.
The AMCA, touted as India’s answer to fifth-generation combat aircraft, will incorporate cutting-edge technologies to strengthen India’s air superiority, with features such as stealthiness, sensor data fusion, and the ability to supercruise.
Once operational, the AMCA will have to operate in contested environments, representing an important step for India in the club of nations producing next-generation combat aircraft.
The development program of the Indian fighter AMCA, formally approved in 2024, will be driven by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) with the aim of delivering the aircraft by 2035.
This ambitious project follows global trends, with fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and the J-20 typically requiring over a decade to be developed and put into service.
The AMCA is not only focused on stealth technology, but also innovation in propulsion, electronic warfare, and integrated combat networks.
The engine, a critical component, could potentially be developed through a joint venture with a foreign manufacturer to mitigate risks and expedite development.
The advancement of the AMCA will be crucial for India’s ability to achieve genuine strategic autonomy in the defense sector.
Source and photo credit @Indian Ministry of Defense
